Since it's a new year and a fresh start for everyone- I wanted to get real with y'all for a minute. I don't go into my personal life very often because I prefer to keep my work life and my personal life separate, but this applies to both. Disclaimer: I am by no means a psychologist, motivational coach, therapist or anything else. I have always believed that happiness is a choice and if you don't like the situation you're in (no matter what it is), you should do something abou

As a sales rep, I spend a lot of time driving. When Daylight Savings Time ends and sunset is before 5pm in Southern California, that means I’m spending a good amount of time driving at night. As I’ve gotten older (and my vision has slowly started deteriorating), I’ve found myself not loving driving at night. As I’m driving, I’m constantly switching from looking ahead, to my mirrors, to my dash and sometimes shifting my focus so often causes my eyes to get tired quicker, parti

Yesterday was National Financial Awareness Day and I thought it was pertinent to discuss this topic in the optical industry. Financial Awareness Day is a great opportunity to gain some awareness of your finances, whether you are a rep, an optician, an associate optometrist or a practice owning optometrist. While an exact retirement amount does vary among individuals, the common amount that financial professionals suggest is $1 million to $1.5 million, or that your savings sh

First, I would like to thank the Academy and congratulate all of the other nominees. Oh wait, this isn't that kind of thing. (Insert blonde shrugging emoji here.) Seriously though, I know Vision Monday features lots of optical industry people, but I'm incredibly grateful for their feature on me this week. My blog and IG may have a small following, but it's growing day by day and everyone is super engaging. I truly love what I do and I want to help others grow their business.

As either an optical rep or an optical shop, are you familiar with the 80/20 Rule? Unless you've done a ton of research, probably not. The 80/20 Rule of social media marketing states that 80% of your social media posts should inform, educate, and entertain your audience, while only 20% should directly promote yourself or your business. This information can completely CHANGE your social media game. Seriously. Here's Why: For Optical Reps: I've had several reps tell me they hav

Since joining social media for work in the fall (and also since creating this website a few weeks ago), I have been AMAZED at the support from other women in the optical industry. Everyone is SUPER supportive and wants to see you succeed. There is room for everyone at the table (including men) and this is the first time I’ve felt that I’m not the only one who feels this way. I’ve worked in other industries and have rarely felt this kind of support and encouragement. Granted,

Hi! I'm Alana Whitaker aka California Glasses Girl. Besides the "About Me" section on my website, I wanted to delve a little more into why I created my website. 1. I wanted a place to be able to elaborate on topics that I touch on from my Instagram posts. There is so much more I can talk about with visual merchandising, inventory management, frame styling, etc, that can't all be in a social media post. Hence, one of my reasons. If someone chooses to want to learn more about a